Community protests against Pollito Pío project threatening Efraín Archilla Diez Nature Reserve in Puerto Rico

In a recent public meeting held by the Human Rights and Labor Affairs Commission, concerns were raised regarding the preservation of the Efraín Archilla Diez Natural Reserve in Humacao, Puerto Rico. This vital ecological area, designated in 1986, spans over 3,186 acres and is home to diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, mangroves, and lagoons, which support numerous species of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered.

The meeting highlighted the significant threats posed by the proposed Pollito Pío LLC development project, which aims to transform land adjacent to the reserve into a mixed-use residential, commercial, and industrial site. Community members voiced their alarm over the potential environmental impacts, including water contamination, erosion, and loss of biodiversity. The project has already faced scrutiny due to unauthorized land movements that have disrupted the delicate ecosystem.

Local residents have filed numerous complaints with environmental agencies, urging immediate action to protect the reserve. They argue that the development contradicts the land's classification as specially protected agricultural and ecological land, which is intended to preserve its natural resources. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) has acknowledged the project's potential for significant ecological harm, yet the developer continues to proceed without the necessary permits.

Community leaders emphasized the importance of effective communication among government agencies to ensure that environmental regulations are enforced. They called for urgent legal action against the developer to prevent further degradation of the reserve, which plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and providing essential services to nearby communities.

As the meeting concluded, participants expressed their determination to safeguard the Efraín Archilla Diez Natural Reserve, a legacy of community activism from the late 20th century. Their commitment to environmental stewardship remains strong, as they continue to advocate for the protection of this invaluable natural resource against encroaching development.